Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 a dog is a nuisance dog if it:
- consistently roams; or
- makes persistent, excessive noise; or
- repeatedly defecates on private property other than the property on which it is ordinarily kept; or
- repeatedly runs at or chases a person, animal (other than vermin or in the course of droving, tending, working or protecting livestock) or vehicle; or
- endangers the health of a person or animal (other than vermin or in the course of droving, tending, working or protecting livestock); or
- repeatedly causes substantial damage to anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.
If a dog is causing a nuisance, including barking or roaming, you should talk to the owner and try and find a mutually acceptable solution first.
Another option is to contact a Community Justice Centre. This is an independent centre that provides free mediation to help people solve disputes. For information on your nearest Community Justice Centre, visit the NSW Communities and Justice website.
If other attempts to solve the issue don't work, or if you aren't comfortable with approaching the owner, you can report it to Council online or call (02) 4227 7111 during business hours.